Yummy Beet Burgers

I had an amazing beet/bean burger when I was in Columbus several years ago for a conference. Lots of versions have cropped up all over the internet, here is one of my favorite. It is adapted from a recipe by Isa Chandra of www.theppk.com (Post Punk Kitchen)

Ingredients:

1 cup shredded beets – I used peeled and steamed beets but it’s fine to go with fresh

1 1/4 cups cooked, cooled brown rice

1 cup cooked brown or green lentils, cooled, drained well

1/2 cup rolled oats

3 tablespoons very finely chopped onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons smooth almond butter

1 teaspoon thyme, rubbed between your fingers

1 teaspoon dry mustard

1/2 teaspoon salt

Fresh black pepper to taste

Instructions:

Peel beets (if raw) and shred with the shredder attachment of the food processor

Change to metal blade and pulse the brown rice, shredded beets, lentils and oats, about 15-20 times until the mixture comes together, but still has texture. (It should look like ground meat)

Transfer to a mixing bowl and add in the remaining ingredients. Use your hands and mix well

Place in the fridge for at least ½ an hour to chill

Form patties from a ½ cup of mixture

Cook patties on the stovetop in a non-stick pan for about 12 minutes, flipping occasionally. Burgers should be charred at the edges and heated through. You can also put them on the grill.

Chef’s note: These also are great as sliders. Use a 1/4 cup measuring cup to form the patties and keep an eye on them, they won’t need as much time on the stove or the grill.